In a significant moment for British and Irish cinema, two acclaimed performers have secured coveted spots on the 2026 Oscar nomination list. Irish actress Jessie Buckley and British-Nigerian star Wunmi Mosaku have both been recognised by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, highlighting the continued international impact of talent from these shores.
Jessie Buckley's Frontrunner Status
Jessie Buckley has been nominated in the prestigious Best Actress category for her transformative portrayal of Agnes Hathaway – historically known as Anne – the wife of William Shakespeare in the film Hamnet. This cinematic adaptation is based on Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel, which explores the family life of the Bard and the tragic death of his young son.
Buckley enters the race as the widely considered frontrunner, having already amassed an impressive collection of precursor awards this season. Her mantle already holds the Golden Globe and Critics' Choice award for this performance, signalling strong industry support leading into the final Oscar vote.
Competition in the Lead Actress Category
The competition for the Best Actress Oscar is notably fierce. Buckley will be contending against a formidable lineup of international talent:
- Rose Byrne for If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
- Kate Hudson for Song Sung Blue
- Emma Stone for Bugonia
- Renate Reinsve for Sentimental Value
Wunmi Mosaku's Supporting Role Recognition
British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku has earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for her powerful performance in Ryan Coogler's gripping vampire drama, Sinners. This marks a major career milestone for the acclaimed performer.
The Supporting Actor Contenders
Mosaku faces stiff competition in her category, which includes:
- Elle Fanning for Sentimental Value
- Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas for Sentimental Value
- Amy Madigan for Weapons
- Teyana Taylor for One Battle After Another
Notable Snubs and Additional Nominations
In a surprising development, Irish star Paul Mescal – who had been widely tipped for Oscar recognition for his role in Hamnet – was conspicuously absent from the Supporting Actor nominations. This omission has already sparked considerable discussion within film circles.
The Supporting Actor category features several established names, including Benicio Del Toro and Sean Penn for One Battle After Another, alongside Jacob Elordi for Frankenstein, Stellan Skarsgard for Sentimental Value, and Delroy Lindo for Sinners.
In the music categories, Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood has secured another Oscar nomination for his original score for One Battle After Another. This marks his third Academy Award nomination, following previous recognition for Phantom Thread and The Power of the Dog.
Ceremony Details and Broadcast Information
The 98th Academy Awards ceremony will be hosted by veteran comedian and talk show host Conan O'Brien at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the ceremony will receive comprehensive broadcast coverage. The Oscars will air live on ITV and STV, with simultaneous streaming available on ITVX and STV Player, ensuring audiences across the nation can follow every moment of the prestigious event.
